Doubling Down – June 1, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

After the lunacy of the previous meeting, one might think this would be a good week for reflection and adjustment. We’ll see…

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a federal update including an update on relevant court cases. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons-Absent)

Budget Adoption and related money matters

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to amendments to the FY27 Submitted General Fund Budget. [text of report]
Recommendations Adopted, Referred to Committee Reports #3 and #3A; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons-Absent)
General Fund Adopted as Amended 8-0-0-1 (Al-Zubi - Present)
Water Fund Adopted 9-0
Public Investment Fund Adopted 9-0

“These increases will bring the total FY27 Operating Budget for the City to $1,033,209,502 (up from the $1,032,959,502 originally submitted FY27 Operating Budget) and an increase of $41,028,182 or 4.1% from the FY26 Adopted Budget. The projected tax levy to support the FY27 Budget is $725,608,519, an increase of $46,756,048 or 6.9% from the FY26 tax levy. The actual tax levy will be determined in the fall as part of the property tax and classification process.”

Unfinished Business #2-14. Loan Authorizations totaling $109,980,000.
All Loan Orders Adopted 9-0 except UB#5 Adopted 8-1 (Al-Zubi - No)

Committee Report #1. The Finance Committee held a public hearing on Tues, May 5, 2026 on the City and School budgets covering the fiscal period July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons - Absent)

Committee Report #2. The Finance Committee held a public hearing on Wed, May 6, 2026 on the City and School budgets covering the fiscal period July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons - Absent)

Committee Report #3. The Finance Committee held a public hearing on Tues, May 12, 2026 on the City and School budgets covering the fiscal period July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons - Absent)

Communications & Reports #4. Communication from Finance Co-Chairs: Process for Identifying Future Budget Priorities, Part 3. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Councillors Nolan and Al-Zubi do hereby declare that the future Cambridge budget priorities are public housing, shelters, and childcare. I was kinda hoping that fiscal restraint and infrastructure resilience might make the Top Three, but apparently not with this Group of Nine.

Board Appointments

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the reappointment of Conrad Crawford to the Board of Directors of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority for a term of five years. [text of report]
Appointment Confirmed 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to reappointments to the Community Preservation Act Committee (CPAC) [Chandra Harrington, Mary Flynn, Kevin Foster, Ellen Schacter]. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 8-0-1 (Simmons-Absent)

Tweeting or Bleating

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-25 regarding a review of the City’s social media platform usage policies. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons-Absent)

Public Safety and Tinfoil Hats

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a summary of Surveillance Technology Impact Reports (STIRs) in calendar year 2025. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons-Absent)

Order #7. That the City Council approve of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Open Architects student data platform as discussed in the May 20, 2026, hearing.   Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #8. That the City Council disapprove further use of SoundThinking’s Acoustic Gunshot Detection Technology (ShotSpotter) by the City pursuant to the Surveillance Technology Ordinance 2.128.060 (C).   Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 5-2-0-2 (Al-Zubi, McGovern, Nolan, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui - Yes; Flaherty, Simmons - No; Azeem, Zusy - Present)

Regardless of any pushback received as a result of the May 18 vote, the same subgroup of councillors is doubling down this week with a prohibition of ShotSpotter via ordinance - regardless of what the Cambridge Police Department or the City Manager may advise.

I went for a while to last night’s meeting - just in time for one of the most obnoxious displays of non-collegiality I have ever witnessed. The Order declaring the City Council’s authority to ban ShotSpotter under the Surveillance Ordinance was the agenda item. Ms. Al-Zubi was recognized by our problematic mayor and Al-Zubi immediately “called the question” forcing a vote - even though Councillor Flaherty had proposed some amendments that had been circulated to the councillors and to the public prior to the vote. The same five councillors who had voted to ban ShotSpotter on May 18 voted in favor of calling the question and preventing the Flaherty amendments as well as any discussion on the matter. The Al-Zubi Order was then passed in the same 5-2-0-2 vote as May 18 with only Flaherty and Simmons voting “No”, and Zusy and Azeem again voting “Present”.

I have been Council-watching for nearly four decades, and this ranks way up there in my list of obnoxious actions by city councillors. The five councillors who disdained democracy so much that they would not even allow their colleagues to speak are Al-Zubi, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui, Nolan, and McGovern. If ever you hear people chant “This is what democracy looks like” at a rally, these five councillors should not even enter the picture.

Committee Report #5. The Public Safety Committee held a public hearing on Tues, Apr 7, 2026 on the Cambridge Police Department’s federal immigration enforcement tracker, CM26#32. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Azeem - Absent)

Order #11. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Cambridge Police Department and Law Department to develop and implement a policy requiring the posting of “Know Your Rights” informational and educational materials in all police department facilities.   Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 9-0

Health & Environment

Order #3. Zero Waste Master Plan Ordinance changes.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zusy
Charter Right - Simmons

Manager’s Agenda #10. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to proposed changes to the City’s Zero Waste Master Plan. [text of report]
Tabled 9-0

Order #4. That the City Manager, in collaboration with the Urban Forestry Division, DPW, CDD and Inspectional Services, is requested to develop recommendations for updates to the Tree Protection Ordinance that will provide further protection to the City’s significant public and private trees for the greater good of the City.   Councillor Zusy, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Committee Report #4. The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on Tues, Mar 31, 2026 to review and discuss the Cambridge Net Zero Action Plan (NZAP) Annual Report and the Climate Committee’s review and report. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Azeem - Absent)

Order #9. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments and community organizations to provide the City Council with a comprehensive Food Access Report that includes, but is not limited to, an accounting of existing programs, expenditures, outcomes, and unmet needs to inform a public hearing on food insecurity and related City policies, programs, and expenditures.   Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0

Housekeeping

On The Table #2. A communication from City Councillor Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler transmitting the proposed 2026-2027 Rules of the Cambridge City Council. [Charter Right – Flaherty, May 11, 2026; Tabled May 18, 2026]
Rules Adopted as Amended 9-0

Communications & Reports #2. A communication from Mayor Siddiqui transmitting a memorandum regarding information from the School Committee. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Azeem - Absent)

Communications & Reports #3. A communication from Mayor Siddiqui transmitting a memorandum regarding updates to the 2026-2027 City Council Committee Appointments. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Azeem - Absent)

Councillors Simmons and McGovern will swap committee appointments with Simmons moving from Housing to Economic Development and McGovern doing the reverse.

Barney

Resolution #2. Condolences to the family of Barney Frank.   Councillor Simmons
Charter Right - Simmons

Comments?

Tripling Down – June 8, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

I may provide more details in the coming days, but here are the featured agenda items that jumped out at me:

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to appointments to the Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to appropriations to the Combined Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Management Advisory Committee (CSO Advisory Committee) for a term of five years, effective June 8, 2026. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a five-year progress review of the Affordable Housing Overlay. [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; comments by McGovern about “housing crisis”, Chris Cotter (Housing) touting the AHO, Zusy says report “impressive” and intent of MFH amendments not to thwart this, Simmons stating how much “hard work” done by councillors and staff, Siddiqui touting AHO; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)

The one sure thing about self-reporting and self-evaluation is that you never have to worry about a bad review, or about any negatives whatsoever. Trophies for everyone!

Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-30 regarding a report on how the decision to install artificial turf was made. [text of report]
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by Al-Zubi, Deputy City Manager Kathy Watkins on greater cost of maintaining a grass field, claims about micro-plastics, discontinuation of use of crumb rubber; Al-Zubi suggesting that artificial turf raises environmental concerns and risk of injury concerns; Zusy on pros and cons, says putting in a “plastic field” is “so weird”, claims insufficient community process (so what else is new?), says that in ten years we won’t want a turf field, notes East Cambridge Planning Team letter, asks if turf fields are sterilized; Kathy Watkins says fields are tested for “bounce” periodically; Flaherty on joys of baseball, insufficient outreach, cooling; Watkins on scheduling, cooling, outreach; Sobrinho-Wheeler on process, original budget request that he wanted reduced, suggests that City staff conspired to create community advocacy to support the City plans, objects to City Manager having ultimate authority hinting at preference to have a popularly elected strong mayor form of government; Yi-An Huang acknowledges need for improvement in community engagement, notes similar discussion of trade-offs in other cities and towns, notes fact that natural grass cannot sustain the kinds of activities in demand; McGovern says this has been difficult conversation, asks “Is this a done deal?”; Watkins states that decision was made long ago; Huang notes that the trade-offs are real and that if given the choice between grass and turn, people will always choose grass, but the issue is the ability to maintain the fields so that they be used to meet the actual demand and utilization, need to stay the course; Azeem with questions about relative overall costs, sports vs. picnics, says there is strong public interest in maintaining Ahern as a grass field, suggests that City should change their position; Adam Corbeil (Recreation) comments, says conversation will continue; McGovern expresses frustration (curiously concerned about public outcry in this case - even though he is generally dismissive of public outcry on other issues), wants to know what options the Council has, when is this moving forward; Watkins says the design team is actively working on designs for turf field - imminent process; McGovern suggest bringing Office of Sustainability into discussion, Watkins says they have regularly been consulted; Zusy suggests putting turf field at Gold Star Mother’s Park, put a field on top of First Street Garage under a bubble; Watkins debunks these suggestions; Kevin Beutel (DPW) explains why Zusy suggestions infeasible; Zusy says Ahern Field more like a “common” than just a playing field, suggests delaying this for another week; Watkins says that all the alternatives have been explored; Zusy suggests using Volpe site temporarily - debunked by Watkins; Siddiqui suggests that this matter could be Tabled, notes concerns about community process; Al-Zubi moves to Table; Tabled 5-3-1 (AAZ,MM,JSW,CZ,SS - Yes; BA,TF,DS - No; PN - Absent)

At the risk of creating enemies among the free-range crowd, the greater issue is not whether Ahern Field specifically should have artificial turf, but whether that part of Cambridge (and really all parts of Cambridge) has ready access to actual green space where kids can play and cows can graze (well, maybe not that so much). To this point, the report states:

Open Space Context in East Cambridge
Ahern Field is part of a broader network of open spaces in East Cambridge, which contains a variety of nearby open spaces that support recreation, gathering, lawn use, and neighborhood access to green space. Recent additions and improvements including Toomey Park, Triangle Park, Little Binney Street, and publicly accessible open space at the Moderna campus provide a range of passive and active recreation opportunities within walking distance.

Note: A strategically placed shortcut across the infrequently used Grand Junction RR tracks could go a long way toward providing greater access to nearby Donnelly Field from East Cambridge.

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Historical Commission, the Law Department, the Department of Public Works, Inspectional Services, the Cambridge Public Health Department, Community Preservation Act staff, the Harvard Square Business Association, and the owners of properties abutting the Old Stone Wall, for the purpose of developing a practical plan to stabilize, preserve, and restore this historic resource.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Flaherty
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (Azeem, Nolan - Absent)

Old Stone Wall, May 8, 2020

Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Department, the Community Safety Department, the Emergency Communications Department, the Department of Human Service Programs, the Department of Public Works, the Law Department, and any other relevant City departments and community partners to develop a Neighborhood Safety Additions Plan for the areas of the City previously served by ShotSpotter technology.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Flaherty
pulled by Simmons; comments by Simmons, Flaherty; Al-Zubi proposes amendments (w/Sobrinho-Wheeler), claims to support public safety (?); Sobrinho-Wheeler also claims to support public safety; Azeem says he doesn’t really care about ShotSpotter, not sure what purpose of amendments are; Al-Zubi continues to question effectiveness of ShotSpotter; Zusy says she supports Al-Zubi amendments, says we should work smarter rather than add resources; McGovern proposes amendment to Al-Zubi amendment (OK by voice vote); Simmons expresses Al-Zubi efforts; Charter Right - Simmons

“The discontinuation of any public safety tool should be accompanied by a serious review of what additional resources, strategies, staffing, partnerships, or investments may be needed to ensure that the City is not merely removing an existing tool, but actively and concurrently strengthening its broader approach to neighborhood safety…”

Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to use the Federal Stabilization Fund to provide one-time stabilization payments to Cambridge-based and Cambridge-serving organizations impacted by FY27 MOVA cuts, report back to the City Council with a proposed funding plan, and work with the Mayor’s Office and other relevant City staff to engage with the broader Cambridge nonprofit community to assess the full scope of federal and state funding reductions and their impact on the City’s safety net services.   Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Flaherty
pulled by Siddiqui; comments by Siddiqui, Al-Zubi (on $1 million for vouchers for those who were in Transitional Wellness Center); McGovern says those funds have been allocated; Siddiqui offers some details; Yi-An Huang says it’s in FY26 Budget for one, other out of federal stabilization fund ($3.7 million remaining in fund); Azeem asks what would happen if federal funds canceled, Huang says we would partially “backfill” the funding; McGovern comments about federal government and current funding needs; Flaherty asks if we can do the additional $1.6 million, Huang says discussion is about keeping things whole rather than simply backfilling all funding; Flaherty added as sponsor; Charter Right - Al-Zubi

Order #4. That the City Council shall complete the required review and determinations prescribed by Section 2.128.060(c) before taking any future vote regarding the continued use of ShotSpotter or any other surveillance technology.   Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Simmons
pulled by Flaherty; comments by Flaherty - “rules matter”, says that in this instance the Surveillance Technology Ordinance requires that certain determinations are required prior to discontinuing any given technology - and this was not done, says this policy order specifically addresses the procedure - “we need to follow the rule of law” - suggests that the prior vote was invalid - cut off by Siddiqui’s clock; JSW/McGovern motion to extend meeting for one hour passes 7-1-1 (DS - No; PN - Absent); JSW says this Order of out-of-order, suggests this is just being a sore loser; JSW calls the question (passes 7-1-1); Order Fails of Adoption 2-6-1 (TF,DS - Yes; Nolan - Absent)

Last week’s action to disallow any discussion or possible amendments to the related Order was deplorable and unprecedented. This new Order appears to be an effort to introduce some of the concerns that might have been expressed last week were it not for the actions of the Fascist Five to shut down all discussion. My guess is that one of them exercises their Charter Right on this Order or again makes a peremptory motion to defeat it without any discussion. Prove me wrong.

Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department, and other relevant City departments, to examine and report back to the City Council with a feasibility analysis with findings, options, and recommendations regarding the following proposed amendments to the multifamily zoning ordinance.   Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Zusy
pulled by Flaherty; comments by Flaherty regarding consequences of the Multi-Family Housing Ordinance, tremendous market upheaval, and how middle-class families are being forced out of the city in favor of young professionals and empty-nesters; Azeem moves to suspend rules to bring forward Brown Petition (Appl. & Petitions #1), says there is space for amendments and there is a committee meeting coming up on this matter, suggests referring this Order to the committee meeting, suggests that this Order and Brown Petition will put a range of projects on hold; Siddiqui notes that only option here is to refer the Petition; Zusy complains about not being recognized (as a co-sponsor of this Order), says purpose of this Order is not to rescind to MFH zoning but to make it better, provide greater flexibility, says height is a real issue - OK with height but only on major thoroughfares, wants green space to be actual green space at ground level [Note: many of these suggestions reflect what Tim Love stated at a prior NLTP Committee meeting]; Zusy also notes need to greater regulate AirBnB’s and for universities to produce more graduate student housing; Sobrinho-Wheeler defends minimal setbacks as a good thing, noting that he can reach out his window and touch the next building, notes that one sponsor (Flaherty) accepts thousands of dollars from real estate developers, says that last election was primarily a referendum on the Multi-Family Housing ordinance (not true), brings up capitalism, says there should be even more height; McGovern says he is open to amendments to ordinance as long as they don’t stall housing development, questions where the numbers quoted are coming from, suggests that these amendments will make housing less affordable, disagrees with having any parking, suggests that allowing six-stories is how we get inclusionary units in the neighborhoods (except that it’s not actually working out that way), acknowledges that a lot of people are upset - but that’s because the ordinance is working; McGovern suggests that the ordinance is producing multi-family housing in neighborhoods where there are none (but this is false - it’s really about much larger buildings typically next to existing smaller multi-family buildings); Al-Zubi comments that she wants an “authentic dialogue”, we should be “centering housing as a human right” and “something we should build so that we are not dependent on market forces” (i.e. government housing); Siddiqui comments; Azeem says that no inclusionary housing has been built that is not more than four stories; Zusy suggests referral to joint meeting of Housing Committee and NLTP Committee; Flaherty notes that 9 Wyman St. is an example of why this ordinance does not work - 56 units, but only one 3-BR unit and the rest very small units, notes that this is a regional problem; Referred to Housing, NLTP 8-0-1 (PN-Absent)

I’m sure the message will go out from the ABC brass to again urge their sheep-like adherents to oppose any and all amendments or new proposals that might in any way modify last year’s Multi-Family Housing Zoning Ordinance because, as they seem to believe, the City Council is infallible and every action their dutiful majority takes is pure perfection with absolutely zero unintended consequences.

Charter Right #1. Zero Waste Master Plan Ordinance changes. [Charter Right – Simmons, June 1, 2026]
Taken up by Siddiqui after Manager’s Agenda; Tabled 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)

On The Table #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to proposed changes to the City’s Zero Waste Master Plan. [Tabled June 1, 2026] [text of report]

Besides renaming the Recycling Advisory Committee (on which I served for 22 years) as the more updated Waste Reduction Committee (as opposed to Waist Reduction Committee), it seems (to me at least) that the primary changes here are that (a) all larger residential properties and all commercial properties (including restaurants) will now be required to participate in food waste diversion and recycling with appropriate containers, (b) retailers will no longer be able to offer reusable bags and may only offer paper bags or compostable plastic bags, and (c) food-service retailers will be required to allow customers to opt-in to single-use products (e.g. straws, condiments, napkins, etc.) rather than opting out, and to require recycling collection for front-of-house operations.

Applications & Petitions #1. A Zoning Petition has been received from Doug Brown to amend the current Article(s) and/or section(s) numbered and entitled Articles 2, 5, 6, 11 and 19 height, setback, parking, open space and design review requirements. [text of petition]
taken up w/Order #5 (see above); Referred to Ordinance Committee & Planning Board 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)

Most or all of the proposed changes seem completely sensible, so my guess is that the petition will effectively be Dead On Arrival as it violates the ABC orthodoxy. I will be delighted if it proves otherwise.

77 Communications

Resolution #1. City Council thanks and warmest congratulations to S&S owners Gary Mitchell, Aimee Baum, and the entire Mitchell-Wheeler family on 107 extraordinary years of service to Cambridge and the Inman Square community, and in expressing its profound admiration for their dedication to preserving a beloved neighborhood institution across six generations.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui
Adopted 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)

We had a great meal at the S&S this past Thursday. It has been a neighborhood institution for more than a century, and the loss of a real delicatessen is an especially great loss. I really hope that whatever follows in that space (or in a portion of that space) also becomes a neighborhood institution. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that I was once upon a time a frequent patron at the old Inman Square Men’s Bar (Ladies Invited!) that also occupied a space in that block. There was once an article in the old Cambridge TAB that referred to Inman Square at that time as “Real Square”. It used to have the delightful feel of a place that was at least a bit lost in time - in a good way.

Committee Report #1. The Human Services and Veterans Committee held a public hearing on Wed, Apr 8, 2026 to review and discuss the final research report on Rise Up Cambridge. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)

Committee Report #2. The Finance Committee held a public hearing on Thurs, Apr 9, 2026 to continue the discussion from Feb 25, 2026, on establishing future Budget Priorities. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)

Comments?

Cambridge Seeking Community Members for New Commission Vacancies

Vacancies are available for the American Freedmen Commission, Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District Commission, Cambridge Climate Committee, Half Crown-Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District Commission, LGBTQ+ Commission, Mid Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District Commission

May 20, 2026 (updated June 15) – Serving on a City of Cambridge board, commission or committee can be a rewarding experience and an excellent way to contribute to our community. Members have the opportunity to participate in the City’s decision-making process for a variety of important matters.

The City of Cambridge is currently seeking to fill vacancies on the American Freedmen Commission, Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District Commission, Cambridge Climate Committee, Half Crown-Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District Commission, and the LGBTQ+ Commission. The deadline to apply for each vacancy is June 22 (see below).

Apply today at Cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter and resume or applicable experience can be submitted during the online application process. If you have questions about the application process or need assistance, please contact the City Manager's Office at 617-349-4300 or boardsandcommissions@cambridgema.gov.

Below is more detailed information on each of the current vacancies:

American Freedmen Commission (Application Deadline: June 22)
The American Freedmen Commission explores historic and ongoing harms to the Cantabrigian descendants of enslaved people and determine appropriate reparations.

The Commission works together to investigate and report on any historical, systemic, and/or ongoing harms done to American Freedmen by the Federal, Massachusetts, and/or Cambridge governments. They also make recommendations to the City Manager and leadership concerning implementing sustainable solutions for transitional justice and prompt reparations for Cambridge Resident American Freedmen.

While experience is not a requirement, a commitment to the commission’s mission and to the principles of antiracism, equity, inclusion, autonomy, and dignity is required. Knowledge and understanding of American Freedmen history, the history and legacy of American Chattel slavery, and Reconstruction Experience, as well as community outreach and engagement, consensus building, and problem-solving, are preferred.

Regular meetings are held monthly. If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact Deidre Brown at dbrown@cambridgema.gov.

Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District Commission &
Half Crown-Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District Commission &
Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District Commission (Application Deadline: June 22)
Neighborhood Conservation Districts (NCDs) were established by City ordinance in 1983. Conservation district designation recognizes a distinctive physical environment that reflects the architectural, cultural, political, economic, or social history of the City. NCDs foster wider public knowledge and appreciation of such neighborhoods. Designation encourages the conservation and maintenance of these areas, so that the City may be a more attractive and desirable place in which to live and work.

Each NCD commission includes seven members and three alternates. Appointments to these Commissions are made by the City Manager, with regard for a diversity of viewpoints and experience. Most members must reside in the respective district; renters, property owners and business operators are encouraged to apply.

The volunteer commissions meet monthly and are supported by the professional staff of the Cambridge Historical Commission. Applicants should have knowledge and concern for improvement, conservation, and enhancement of the district. The composition of each Commission shall represent the diversity of the designated neighborhood in terms of age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and property ownership or tenancy.

More information and maps for the Neighborhood Conservation Districts are available through the following links:

Avon Hill NCD: Cambridgema.gov/avonhillncd
Half Crown-Marsh NCD: Cambridgema.gov/halfcrownmarshncd
Mid Cambridge NCD: Cambridgema.gov/midcambridgencd

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact Sarah Burks at sburks@cambridgema.gov.

Climate Committee (Application Deadline: June 22)
The Cambridge Climate Committee is an advisory group of community members who work together to provide feedback to the City on strategies and goals related to climate change, advocate for community needs, and share City climate programs with their communities.

The committee is made up of volunteers who live or work in Cambridge. Members come from across the community and bring a wide range of perspectives and experiences to the table. They typically serve two-year terms and usually meet the second Thursday of the month at 6pm.

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact Stephen Early at searly@cambridgema.gov.

LGBTQ+ Commission (Application Deadline: June 22)
The LGBTQ+ Commission was established under Chapter 2.125 of the Cambridge Municipal Code. The function of the Commission is to advocate for a culture of respect and monitor progress toward equality of all persons with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. The Commission also works to promote policies and practices that have a positive effect on the health, welfare, and safety of all persons who live, visit, or work in the City, with respect to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. Commissioners are expected to be knowledgeable about the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and must live or work in Cambridge.

The Commission consists of up to 20 appointed members, who serve three-year terms. Meetings are typically held on the fourth Thursday of every month at 6pm. Members are expected to attend monthly meetings, as well as participate and volunteer for outreach and other community events.

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact Shameka Gregory at sgregory@cambridgema.gov or call (617) 349-3355.

All board and commission members in Cambridge must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Members should be Cambridge residents representing different disabilities, diverse cultures and races, and all areas of Cambridge.

Volunteer Opportunities - Cambridge Boards & Commissions (click for details)

American Freedmen Commission (Application Deadline: June 22)

Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District Commission(Application Deadline: June 22)

Half Crown-Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District Commission (Application Deadline: June 22)

Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District Commission (Application Deadline: June 22)

Climate Committee (Application Deadline: June 22)

LGBTQ+ Commission (Application Deadline: June 22)